Indian Summer Festival’s 22nd Annual Winter Pow Wow opens its doors a day early to host a special benefit concert by three-time Grammy winner Bill Miller on Friday, March 8 (doors open at 7 p.m.). The evening also features Cody Blackbird, flutist and singer; international award-winning pow wow drum group Smokeytown Singers; and a special performance by Nicolet High School students. Concert goers also can shop from Native American vendors selling arts, crafts and traditional foods. Admission is $7/adults, $5/elders (60+) and FREE/children 12 and under.

On Saturday, March 9, the Winter Pow Wow officially opens with a hands-on cultural workshop, 10:30 a.m.-noon. The cultural workshop is a first-come, first-serve preview of Indian Summer Festival’s Education Day (September 6, 2013). The cultural workshop includes Native American vocalist and songwriter Jamie Brace showcasing her work with area schools in songwriting and music performance; Ojibwe artist and teacher Greg Johnson demonstrating birch basket making; a hands-on crafts area and Oneida/Menominee Educator Mark Denning who will demystify the pow wow. Admission for the Saturday morning workshop is $5/educators with ID, $7/adults, $5/elders (60+) and FREE/children 12 and under.

ABOUT WINTER POW WOW Winter Pow Wow heats up the weekend 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday, March 10, at Wisconsin State Fair Park, Wisconsin Products Pavilion, 640 S. 84th St. (gate 5). Regular admission charges apply for the pow wow on Saturday and Sunday. A traditional pow wow brings people together to dance, sing, socialize, and generally have a good time. The public is welcome all weekend and invited to participate during Intertribal dances.

A session begins with the Grand Entry, during which all the dancers line up by dance style and age, then enter the arena behind military veterans carrying flags, while a host drum sings a special song. During an Intertribal Dance, a drum will sing a song and anyone (American Indian and non-American Indian) can join in. Audience members can expect to see dancers representing the 11 federally recognized tribes of Wisconsin as well as many other tribal nations.

Authentic Native American arts, clothing and crafts are available for purchase via an extensive marketplace. Food vendors will offer fry bread and Indian Tacos, as well as other family-friendly fare such as hot dogs and soft drinks. A prayer ceremony will be held Sunday and is also open to the public.

Pow wow hours are 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Grand entry times are at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday. Attendance is free for the Prayer Ceremony at 10 a.m. Sunday morning and the pow wow that follows for those admitted by 10 a.m.